1652 Pine Tree Shilling. Large Planchet. Noe-8.2, Salmon 7-E, W-740. Rarity-4. Ligatured NE in Legend. MS-64 (NGC).71.7 grains. A remarkable condition rarity that ranks among the finest known for both the die variety and die state. Both sides exhibit lovely, even deep pearl gray patina. The obverse is struck slightly off center to 11 oclock, but the reverse is better centered. The letters SATHVS in MASATHVSETS run to or off the flan, but all other letters on the obverse are full; SAT in the same word somewhat soft. The letters along the right reverse border are soft, DOM crumbling severely in the die. No beads under second letters S in MASATHVSETS on the obverse, reverse break under the letters GL in ENGLAND heavy and extends past the beads below. The surfaces are smooth and satiny with no blemishes of note, the planchet slightly ovoid in shape and somewhat wavy, as made. An impressive and highly significant coin, this is the second finest example from the Noe-8 dies, and the finest for the advanced Noe-8.2 die state. Superior to the Massachusetts Historical Society and Norweb specimens, and sure to have no difficulty finding its way into an advanced collection of Massachusetts Bay Colony silver.Ex Spink & Son; Vlack Collection; our (Stacks) sale of the Hain Family Collection of Massachusetts Silver Coins, January 2002, lot 120; Heritages sale of the Donald Groves Partrick Collection, January 2015, lot 5580. Partrick collection envelope and Stacks company tag with attribution and provenance notes included.
